The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1887-02-04
BURNS ANNIVERSARY.

Mr. Editor.
herewith send you report of the
celebration Of the Blue Earth Valley
Burns Club, held at the palatial resi-
dence of Mr.. Jas. Ellis, Jr., Sterling, on
Tuesday, Jan. %, 1887.
The Maple River Curling Club were
on the ice as usual, notwithstanding the
extreme cold day. and enjoyed Them
selves at their favorite game. Your re-
porter was not present at the curling,
but was informed that an exciting game
was played. (The usual match game was
not played on account of the Bass Lake
Curriers' being absent.)
Arriving at the house about D. m.
was surprised to see such large gather
ing enjoying themselves in visiting, maxi
ing jokes, etc.; also saw great prepare
tions for supper going on. Supper was
announced at p. M, about twenty cou-
pies sitting down to table. Grace was
asked by the Rev. j. E. Conrad. Had
scarcely begun eating when familiar
sounds of the bag-pipe were heard be-
low, when the chief (Jas. Ellis SOM COM
handed all to arise. Had not long to
wait when up comes Chris. the "piper,"
playing the "Campbells are coming" as
loud as he could blow, followed by two
young Scots carrying shoulder high an
immense "Haggis", placing it at the
head of the table. The chief recited in
fine style Burns address ''To Haggis. -
1t is one of the chief dishes on the table
at Scotsman's gathering, and rest as
sured they did justice to it. Four diff
ferent times the table was spread with
an abundance of good things, the flag
gis' at each time gracing the head. ALI
being satisfied as far as the inner man
was concerned, something else was
looked for, when the chief called all to-
gether and announced programme 10
be gone through and to be opened by
David Will by singing "Rantin, Rovir
Robin" which was responded to with
good cheer and right well was it sung
T 1t is impossible for me to give the pro
gramme in full. A great many Scotch
songs were sung, such as Highland
Mary" by Mrs. Mary Wilhgan; whistle
and I'll come tae tae my lad" by Mrs
Robert Taylor; John Slater with grea
gusto ''The Bonnie House o. Airlie" anc
"The Cameron Mem; Robert Orr s'Tht
Lass O. Gowrie"; Flora Hanna "We-ee
better bide ave.; John Orr "Jack g cam.
home; Johnny Mcpherson with mucl
feeling ''The Drunkards Ragged Wean"
Mrs. Jessie Bissil "Jenny's Black EE."
Mrs. George Conrad recitation 9Th,
Paddle; George Clark in humorous
style ''Rigwoodie Cariin"; James Ellis
Sen. most laughable song entitled "Mc
/ Ailister's Bonnet" Git was indeed Mr.
T Editor wonderful bonnet); James Nor
!, row, Sen. the song of all songs "Blithe
Jump to da"; the Rev. j. E. Conrad mad,
an hour and a half of much mirth ant
, enjoyment. The floor being cleared tn,
dancing was opened by James Morrow
and Agnes Hanna, John Slater and Net
! tie Ellis, Andrew Jameson and Mrs
: Robert Taylor, David Will and Mrs
, Joseph Dobie in a double Scotch reel {,
the music of the bag-pipes (great ap
plause), after which the young lads ant
: lassies enjoyed themselves at Jugs
, strathpeys and reels to their hearts con
tent to music by the Beauford orchestra
In the meantime the older ones had re
-. paired up stairs where more fine OLE
/ Scotch songs and recitations were had
and the enjoyment kept up till morning
! when hands were joined in singing
"Auld Lang Syne," and thus closed an
; other of these famous gatherings.